For much of the world, the Algarve is synonymous with Portugal, yet the Portuguese will tell you the exact opposite: the region has little in common with the rest of the country. The southern stretch of coast is more reminiscent of a North African landscape than a European one. It has no cosmopolitan cities, like Lisbon and Porto, which are farther north. Most of Portugal is known for quaint towns, medieval castles, and grand palaces. The Algarve is more recognizable for impenetrable blocks of tourist apartments, hotels, and meticulously manicured golf courses. And beaches. Think Algarve and the mind pictures long, glorious stretches of golden sands, secluded coves framed by odd ochre-colored rock formations, and deep green waters. With about 160 km (100 miles) of coastline, Portugal's southern province is one of Europe's premier beach destinations. The occasionally chilly ocean is the Atlantic, but the Algarve has a sultry Mediterranean feel. Its consistent climate is the best in Portugal, and one of the kindest in the world: more than 250 days of sunshine a year — more than almost any other international resort area. The moderating effect of the Gulf Stream produces a fresh springtime breeze throughout winter, and in late January and February, white almond blossoms blanket the fields. In summer the heat is intense but rarely unbearable, and regardless, beautiful beaches and innumerable pools are always just a dive away. Magnificent year-round weather has made the Algarve a huge destination for sporting vacations. Superb golf facilities abound — several with tees dramatically clinging to cliffs and fairways just skirting the edge of the ocean — and horseback riding, tennis, big-game fishing, sailing, and windsurfing are immensely popular. Sports, beaches and hospitable weather — not to mention easily organized package vacations — are surely the reasons the Algarve receives as many visitors as the rest of Portugal in its entirety. But it's not just international tourists that descend on the Algarve; many Portuguese from Lisbon and elsewhere in the north have holiday homes and spend their summer vacations here. The coast is neatly divided into the rugged Barlavento to the west and the flat beauty of Sotavento to the east. West is where you'll find the famous orange cliffs and surreal eroded rock stacks. 

Which region of Portugal gets the most sunshine on an average year?


Tom's relaxation at the beach is interrupted by Jerry who inadvertently walks all over a sunbathing Tom going fishing . Jerry falls into Tom's mouth and while escaping , nearly causes Tom to swallow his beach towel . Jerry goes out to the pier and casts his favorite bait : cheese . Tom pulls on the line and makes Jerry reel him in . Jerry lets go of the line and Tom struggles to stay afloat , losing the string . Tom barely catches the pier , but Jerry swings the pole at him . After a few misses , Jerry whistles and then lands a direct hit . He runs to the end of the pier and pulls off the end board . Tom ca n't brake , and walks the plank until Jerry pulls it out , causing Tom to fall into the water and without emerging . A drowning Tom wakes up on the sea bed , where he finds himself still alive . He starts imitating the majestic sea creatures until he spots Jerry . The cat grabs him , but Jerry pulls away revealing that he has become a mer-mouse . Jerry swims in circles until Tom's head has done a 360 , and is then grabbed again . Jerry slaps Tom face with his tail , then spins his ears in to the shape of a wrench . The cat gives chase through shipwreck windows until Tom hangs back to swallow the mouse . Jerry breaks out through Tom's left eardrum . Jerry hides and disguises himself as a seahorse to join a father seahorse leading his babies , fooling the cat for only a while . Jerry then gets lassoed and captured , but Tom gets tricked into holding a fishing line and is caught . 

How does Jerry escape being chased through a shipwreck?


The world can be divided into three climate zones. The first climate zone is the polar zone. As it sounds, the polar zone is near earths poles. The polar zone has very long and cold winters. Brrr!!!! Near the equator is the tropical zone. The tropical zone is known for being hot and wet. Between these two zones is the temperate zone. Temperatures there tend to be mild. Its not too hot and not too cold. You might expect places near the equator to be hot and wet. Thats not always the case. Sometimes there are other factors at work. These factors can affect the local climate type or a region. Oceans and mountain ranges can have a major impact. They can greatly influence the climate of an area. Many factors influence an areas climate. 


What is the tropical zone known for?